A popular swimming spot in Powys has kept its bathing status - but signs have been installed around it warning against entering the water.

Powys County Council has installed “do not swim” signs at the Warren on the River Wye, near Hay on Wye, after recent readings showed “elevated levels of bacteria” in the water.

The area was granted bathing status only a month ago, but the signs were put up after monitoring by Natural Resources Wales found increased levels of bacteria in the water.

However Natural Resources Wales confirmed that “the Warren has not lost its bathing status”.

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A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “Last Wednesday, our officers took the first bathing water sample at the Warren since it was designated. The water quality results of the sample showed an elevated level of bacteria.

“This led us to inform Powys County Council who have the responsibility for public health. Based on this information, the local authority has erected signs advising bathers not to swim.”

However after an investigation it still remains unclear what is the cause of the bacteria in the water.

They added: “After receiving the test results of the sample, our environment officers investigated the area to try to find a source of the elevated level of bacteria found in the sample, however, no direct cause was found.

 “This water sample is the first in a schedule that will take place throughout the bathing water season which ends on 30 September.  We will continue to monitor the results of each sample and make the information available on our Bathing Water Explorer.”

(Image: NQ)

MP for Brecon Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick said in a post online that he would looking for answers from Welsh Water who are responsible for the River Wye in Wales.

“This news is extremely concerning,” said Mr Chadwick. “The Welsh Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to clean up our rivers for years.

“I have written to Welsh Water already and will be arranging a meeting with them to discuss urgent improvements necessary for higher water quality in our rivers.”